This week I saw a St. Jude's commercial and it got me thinking. When did Thanksgiving and Christmas become the only times of year for goodness and charity? I can't recall seeing this St. Jude's commercial any other time this year, and I've heard over and over this month that we need to make sure we give thanks. From the day after Thanksgiving to December 26, I'll bet that your life is a whirlwind of shopping, watching sappy movies, and getting into the "Christmas spirit." While I am 100 percent in favor of participating in Toys for Tots, helping with Operation Christmas Child, and ringing the Salvation Army bell (which I do every year with my dad and sister), I think that it has become a norm for people to go overboard in their giving and love during the winter, and think that it excuses any selfish and stingy actions throughout the year. As long as you behave when Santa's watching, the rest of the time doesn't matter. We need to make sure we are a society that gives thanks for our health, our family, and our comforts all year.

We should teach our children that love, kindness, and selflessness are not dependent on the season and that they shouldn't have good behavior only because an elf is watching. It's so easy to ignore the needs of others and focus on your own, but a lot of the time, what are your 'needs'? The latest iPhone? An eno? A new name brand makeup set? These things are great gift ideas, and believe me, treating yourself is a real thing, but it can cross the line into selfishness very quickly. I've always heard that you can tell where a person's heart is by looking at two things: their checkbook and their calendar, and not only can you spend money, but you can give your time.

Parents, when was the last time you and your kids turned off all electronics and went on a walk, or headed to the park, or played a board game? Older siblings, have you spent quality time with your little brother or sister recently? Time is the best gift you can give anyone because it isn't an afterthought, and sometimes it isn't even convenient. So let's make sure that we set an example, and that we're not only good during the holiday season, but also when the flowers begin blooming, the days get longer, and summer vacation finally starts. Not only will it benefit others, I promise it'll also benefit you.